Fungus Problems w/ Jiffy Greenhouse

Greetings,

I'm a beginning vegetable gardener. I'm using the Jiffy Professional Greenhouse to start okra seeds, and they've sprouted very soon! That's excellent, but I also notice I have some fungus growing in the greenhouse, on the peat pellets (see picture).

I have grown other plants in the Jiffy Greenhouse, and I often get these white, cobweb-like fungi at the beginning. Everything is moist, so the fungi seem to always grow. Can somebody identify the fungi in my pictures, and tell me a few specific things:

1) Are they harmful to the plants, and therefore need to be killed with a fungicide.
2) If so, what fungicide do you recommend?
3) How can I prevent these fungi from growing next time? The Jiffy company claims their peat pellets are sterile from the beginning, and I've also tried boiling water as some have recommended to insure sterilization. The fungus seems to grow no matter what I do.

Keep in mind, I have not over-watered anything or made the greenhouse environment any wetter than has been instructed.

Thanks!
-Andrew

happens to me everytime--don't think there is anything that will kill it--I just cover the peat with vermiculite and it seems to work--I don't think it hurts the seedlings, but mine are never as healthy when I use peat pellets--I have switched to regular potting soil this year and it was much better

Well, I bought a vegetable fungicide at Wal-Mart and have sprayed them. We will see if it kills the fungus. Obviously, I'm letting the pellets dry a bit more as well.

I'm surprised at how little information is on the net about this particular fungus. Some sites have said some peat fungus is not harmful at all to seedlings; the fungus simply decomposes the peat and doesn't necessarily harm the seedlings. Everybody has conflicting opinions on this, so I'm just going to have to see what happens.

I grew 145 impatiens in these peat pellet containers. I got the same mold before, but all of them grew up healthy when I sprayed it with a similar fungicide. I've never let the fungus grow much without a fungicide, but I will have to experiment with other peat pellets and plants to see just how problematic this fungus is. I'd really like to get control of the peat pellets, because they germinate seeds like lightning and are so cheap and quick to use!

I have had the same thing on a few peat pellets of mine. I tossed the pellets that were like that. As I started new trays I propped the lid with a pencil when I started and did not have that problem again. I have also started trays with potiing mix and had no fungus at all

I use coir instead of peat, and don't cover my trays. Plus I always water from the bottom, and sprinkly vermiculite over the top of the soil. I do get algae, but not fungus.

These are young melon seedlings under lights

And these are those same melon seedlings after being transplanted to the garden this past weekend

There's several suggestions I'm going to follow that you all have suggested when I start my cucumber seedlings. (I don't want to give up on the peat pellets yet.) First, I'm going to follow Niki's advice and prop the lid to avoid moisture problems. Second, I'm going to use the vermiculite. I'm also going to have a small fan nearby to increase air circulation. I don't think the mold will come back if I do that.

But so far, regardless of that bit of mold, the okra is going strong. Here is a current picture of them. It's only been two days or so since that first picture.

Your okra looks as though it's doing well. If they were mine, I would keep them uncovered and water from the bottom.

As to the fan - remember mold/fungus spores can become airborne and the fan will disburse them throughout the room.

You do not want to use any fungicide unless you know that it is a harmful fungus. The vast majority of fungus are either beneficial or non-harmful. Many prevent disease, provide nutrients for plants and consume parasitic nematodes. The fungicide may have lasting effects in the soil once you transplant. This will through your soil food web off balance and create major problems later on (i.e. increase disease).

If you see fungus it is a cultural problem. Increase the bacterial population by adding a weak compost or molasses tea to the water and water a bit more frequently. Bacteria will start to out compete the fungus. (BTW-most bacteria is non-harmful to plants.) It may also be too cold. Increase the temp a bit to see if this cuts down on the problem.

Bailey,

Thanks for the information. Do you know where I can find specific data for which fungus is good and which fungus is harmful? I haven't had any luck finding good, solid resources in this area that is for the layman.

Thanks.

There is a plant identification form on DG. There are many who have more experience with fungi on this site. They were very helpful when I was trying to ID mushrooms in my straw mulch. They should be able to help you identify which kind. Most likely it is the non-harmful since your plants are still healthy. Its probably just breaking down the potting mix. Increasing drainage, warming up the soil, better air circulation, decreasing humidity and introducing more light (through broad spectrum lights or sunlight) should eliminate most of the problem. Warmer soil, air circulation and more light are key.

The only serious fungal diseases that I am aware of are blight and root rot. These diseases are problems in the soil and not growing medium. The biggest problem I have encountered with starts is damping off. This is caused by a bacteria not a fungus. It can be prevented by using stertile soil and not allowing the soil to become soggy.

First off, I'm new here, and a new gardener, growing my first container garden ever. I've been having a lot of success, and have been finding the gardening to be quite relaxing - a nice change from my high-stress day job.

As for the fungus... I've used four 12-spot Jiffy seed starters (they fit perfectly in the one window that gets real sun). I have planted two jalapeno plants (well three seeds each, and thinning to the strongest), as well as tons of herbs: basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives using the Jiffy seed starters. On each and every seed starter, I've developed the same mold/fungus that you describe. Honestly, the plants from the Jiffy seed starters seem to be the strongest of any of the plants I've grown this season! The two Jalapeno seedings (as I said, three seeds per pellet) are likely going to make me want to expand my initial plan of 5 jalapeno plants into 8-10 jalapeno plants, as all five remaining are all strong (I'll have to look into breaking apart the pellets so I can preserve roots and transplant safely)., as well as no less than 3-5 of the plants seeded in potting soil.

I was worried about the fungus as well at first. I also have a generic "terra-cotta herb garden kit" (that will soon be getting transplanted because I can't stand having pots with no drain holes) that has also experienced that white, cottony fungus. Honestly, everything planted in that kit is growing strong as well (though probably not as strong as it should, as I'm probably under-watering it, as the pots with no drain holes don't give me any indicator as to when they're watered enough).

All that said, the "goddess in the garden" friend of mine (she always has massive yields of the best veggies, even while only growing in a 10'x12' garden) that will be watering my plants when I'm out of town next week didn't express any concern at the white fungus when I mentioned it to her.

I'm no expert, but I'd suspect the Jiffy planter fungus is likely a non-issue.

Thanks for that, Obsidian. That's comforting to know, and I had seen several sites that said not to worry about fungus. Other sites had people pitching fits about it and cursing peat pellets like Old Testament prophets. My experience with peat pellets has always produced strong plants, and LOTS of them.

My next batch of seedlings will grow without any interference of fungicides from me, and I'm confident from Bailey's and your experience that the fungus won't do any harm.